Informed by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bedford, our government’s Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act is a bill that would protect the victims of prostitution by cracking down on the pimps and johns who fuel the demand for this inherently dangerous activity. It would also put in place measures that protect our communities, our children and other vulnerable Canadians.

Some have called for us to outright legalize prostitution. Yet, studies show that jurisdictions that have decriminalized or legalized prostitution have actually seen higher rates of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. We believe this is unacceptable and contrary to what Canadians value: the protection of vulnerable Canadians and our communities. This is why we are dedicated to an approach that recognizes and tackles the harms of this dangerous activity.

With the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, our government has brought forward a comprehensive response reflecting the values of Canadians, and which will better protect vulnerable people and our communities.